Ever wondered how Bishopslea Preparatory School for Girls came to be? Bishopslea’s story begins with vision and determination. It started with the belief that if something is meant to happen it will. The details would take care of themselves.
Meet Rt Rev Edward Paget. He was a visionary for education in Zimbabwe. In 1932, Bishopslea opened as Bishop’s Lea. It was St Mary’s Diocesan Preparatory School. It was described as an “under-funded gamble.” The school was just for Grades 1 and 2 back then.
The school started near Africa Unity Square. This was on the grounds of the Anglican Cathedral. It was during the Great Depression. The 1930s and World War Two shaped its early years.
Sister Dorothy Jane set lasting standards for Bishopslea. She implemented small classes and houses. She introduced organised games. She shifted from rote learning to teaching by doing. This was revolutionary for the time. The houses were later named after four great Bishops. They were Knight Bruce, Gaul, Beaven, and Paget.
“Modern” subjects supplemented core subjects. They did not replace them. Reading fluently and spelling intelligently were key. Performing simple arithmetic accurately and speedily was also vital. These principles still guide Bishopslea education. By 1946, Bishopslea had 118 children. It even had a remedial teacher. She helped girls affected by illness or the War. There was also a beautiful garden. Sister Dorothy Jane loved gardening. Some roses near the Chapel descend from her original bushes.
Quality education was always Bishopslea’s goal. Despite the hard times in the 1930s, parents supported the school. Bishopslea’s first house was “Bishop’s Lea”. It was not great. The wife of Bishop William Gaul condemned it. New premises were bought at 67 Baines Avenue. This was done on borrowed money. By 1939, there were five grades. This happened under Sister Dorothy Jane’s guidance. She was from Grahamstown’s Community of the Resurrection. These Sisters left Bishopslea with traditions. They gave it a spirit that separates it from other schools.
Bishopslea moved to its current location through determination. Bishop Paget and Mrs Pat Pearce, a parent, were key. In 1946, a five thousand pound debt threatened closure. The Bishop and a new board sold the old buildings. They approached the Beit Trust for the new site in Belvedere. The Beit Trustees offered support. They had also supported Ruzawi School. Bishopslea then came under the Ruzawi Schools Trust.
Today, Bishopslea is a leading girls’ school. It offers day and boarding options. It serves girls aged 4 to 12. Bishopslea offers sports like athletics, hockey, and netball. Swimming and tennis are also available. The school’s motto is “Ecce Ancilla Domini”. This Latin phrase means “Behold the handmaiden of the Lord”. Bishopslea continues to uphold its values and traditions. It prepares girls to be responsible citizens.